Holyoke, MA
Population 37,949 · Massachusetts
About Holyoke, MA
Holyoke is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 37,949 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,892 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Holyoke features a median home value of $255,300, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Holyoke in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,057 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (6,451 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (9,073 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Holyoke shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Holyoke have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Holyoke residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 45.2% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Holyoke Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Holyoke, MA
Compared to national averages, Holyoke has a median household income of $51,892 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $255,300, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Holyoke's income is 51% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 55% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Holyoke, MA?
Holyoke offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,892) that falls below the national average. However, Holyoke’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Holyoke has a population of 37,949 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Holyoke with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Holyoke
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $125,305 | $623,200 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 39,460 | $72,220 | $476,500 | Compare |
| Amherst Town | 35,472 | $65,938 | $454,000 | Compare |
| Watertown Town | 35,270 | $123,422 | $737,600 | Compare |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
| Randolph Town | 34,683 | $103,129 | $463,500 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $95,047 | $485,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Holyoke With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Holyoke
What is the population of Holyoke, MA?
The population of Holyoke, MA is 37,949 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Holyoke?
The median household income in Holyoke, MA is $51,892 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Holyoke?
The median home value in Holyoke, MA is $255,300, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Holyoke?
The median monthly rent in Holyoke, MA is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Holyoke?
The unemployment rate in Holyoke, MA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Holyoke, MA a good place to live?
Holyoke offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 37,949 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Holyoke, MA?
24.3% of residents in Holyoke aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Holyoke?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Holyoke, MA: median home value is $255,300 (4% above national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $51,892. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Holyoke?
The poverty rate in Holyoke, MA is 23.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Holyoke, MA?
Holyoke's population is 0.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 45.2% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.